August 2013 by Natural Awakenings, Birmingham AL

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hat if you were sick, and your doctor told you not to take nutrients? That’s exactly what happened to my father when he was diagnosed with stage 3 thymic cancer in 2008. His oncologists specifically told him not to take any vitamin supplements, because they said that vitamins, and especially Vitamin C, would interfere with the effectiveness of the chemo and radiation treatments. There was also a general disregard for the importance of nutrition as an adjunct to success in cancer treatment that my father found among most of the medical professionals to whom he had entrusted his care. The cancer specialists actively disdained not only nutritional supplements but also the idea that improved nutritional status could contribute in any way to his battle against cancer. But my father was of a different opinion. He had been in the health and nutrition business for twenty five years (please “Like” his page, TableTalk, on Facebook). He knew what he knew about nutrition. He was a believer. He had read Neal Barnard’s books, Survivor’s Handbook: Eating Right for Cancer Survival and Food for Life. He had also read Beating Cancer with Nutrition by Patrick Quillin, Ph.D., who is quoted in our feature article this month, “Rethinking Cancer: A Brave New World of Effective Natural Therapies,” by Linda Sechrist. According to Dr. Quillin, “nutrition and traditional oncology treatments are synergistic, not antagonistic, as many oncologists believe.” That just made sense to my dad, and he finally found an oncologist who was open to the idea that nutritional supplementation could be a benefit rather than a hindrance to traditional cancer therapy. Surgery was indicated in any case, and my dad had the first tumor removed in 2008. Three years later, another tumor was found. Dad redoubled his efforts on the nutritional front, because he understandably did not want to have another round of surgery. This time, he converted to a fully plant-based diet, with a focus on alkaline rather than acidic foods and eliminated sugar. He went through another series of radiation treatments in the weeks leading up to the time when the surgery was once again thought to be inevitable, the whole time taking megadoses of Vitamin C and other supplements with the approval of his openminded oncologist. When my dad went in for his pre-surgery evaluation at UAB in 2011, the team couldn’t find a tumor. It had completely disappeared. The head surgeon brought his medical students in to see dad and said: “This patient is a miracle.” A miracle! His recovery was, and is still, amazing. As far as the role of nutritional therapy in his treatment success? I think that his case speaks for itself.

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contents 6

4 newsbriefs 6 healthbriefs 9 ecotip 10 globalbriefs

14 IT'S NOT T'AI CHI

ANYMORE by Stephen Guesman

13 greenliving 22 naturalpet 23 healingways 24 consciouseating

Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

26 calendars 29 resourceguide

15 THE EMBODIMENT OF A QUIET MIND: BREATH by Margaret J. Pittenger, MSPT

15 SUMMER REFLECTIONS by Sydne Stone

16 RETHINKING CANCER A Brave New World of Effective Natural Therapies by Linda Sechrist

advertising & submissions HOW TO ADVERTISE Display Ads due by the 10th of the month prior to publication. Contact Us to advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit. 256-476-6537 -or- Editor@AlabamaAwakenings.com

20 CUTTING THROUGH THE NUTRITION NONSENSE Processed Food Ingredients: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly by Steve Dupont, RD, LD

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS* Newsbriefs due by the 10th of the month. Limit 50-250 words. Content limited to special events and other announcements. No advertorials, please. Articles and ideas due by the 5th of the month. Articles generally contain 250-850 words, with some exceptions. No advertorials, please.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Calendar of Events and Ongoing Calendar listings due by the 10th of the month. Limit 50 words per entry. Please follow format found in those sections.

ADVERTISE WITH US TODAY 256-476-6537 -or- Editor@AlabamaAwakenings.com *All submissions are subject to editing and will be printed at the publisher’s discretion. Article space often fills in advance. Deadline dates refer to the month prior to next publication and may change without notice due to holidays, shorter months, or printing schedules.

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22 PREVENTING SEIZURES Natural Dog Remedies Can Out-Do Drugs by Dr. Shawn Messonnier

23 NATURE’S ANTIBIOTICS Recover Health with Less Risk by Kathleen Barnes

24 GOOD FOOD ON A TIGHT BUDGET Tips to Get Top Value from Each Dollar by Kathleen Barnes

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August 2013

Healing Waters

newsbriefs Emily Tucker Now Providing Counseling Services in the Birmingham Area

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mily Tucker Licensed Professional Counselor has opened her practice in the Birmingham area. She is a National Certified Counselor specializing in individual, couples and family treatment. She has over 12 years' experience as a mental health professional who graduated from the University of Montevallo. Ms. Tucker has presented at the National conferences and to general audiences on the topics such as suicide prevention, community resources, crisis risk assessment, and trauma recovery. Ms. Tucker is an interactive, client-focused therapist. Her therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. She integrates complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, she works with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing. She believes it is crucial that the client set the tone and pace of therapy. She realizes she is serving as one of many resources to clients in her practice and believes ultimately with support, everyone can access internal and external resources related to improving mental health and overall life satisfaction. Ms. Tucker believes that everyone has incredible strengths and resources within us. Some are not aware of these, and counseling can help in accessing and utilizing these qualities and strengths. Ms. Tuckerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office is located at 300 Office Park Dr, Suite 220, Birmingham, AL. For appointments, call 205-261-1417. Online, visit Birmingham-Counseling.com. See Ad on this Page and CRG on Page 29.

From Surviving to Thriving

rom Surviving to Thriving: Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Recovery Group has been created to provide women coping with trauma and grief a safe place to collaborate with other survivors and promote overall recovery. It is not uncommon for a victim of sexual assault to become re-victimized throughout life. This can create stress upon the trauma survivor so great that she may experience any or all of the following: anxiety, depression, panic attacks, PTSD, nightmares, difficulty trusting others, difficulty with physical and emotional intimacy, hyper-sexuality, self-destructive behaviors such as over use of alcohol or drugs or self-harming. In some cases, victims can also experience suicidal thoughts or feelings. This group is designed to present in a structured and safe setting some basic information related to trauma and re-traumatization. Once some basic educational information is provided, participants will be invited to engage in a series of group discussions and â&#x20AC;&#x153;homeworkâ&#x20AC;? activities designed to develop and improve confidence and self-esteem. As this will be a challenging process, participants will also

be provided with a numerous optional exercises and readings designed to reduce stress and promote health and relaxation. This is an 8-week closed group. Participants are asked to contact Emily Tucker at 205-261-1417 for a free intake session prior to the start of group on August 28. This group is offered to survivors of trauma at no charge. The program is offered to women in the community through the Rape Response Program, a program of the Crisis Center. The group will run August 28 through October 16, meeting each Wednesday night from 6-8pm. A detailed group schedule will be provided at the intake session. Please contact Emily Tucker at 205-261-1417 to schedule your free intake meeting today. See Ad on Page 4 and CRG on Page 29.

Kirtan Rahasya to perform at Birmingham Yoga

ahasya, Surdas & Vajra, will be kicking off their fall tour with us as they make their way to Bhaktifest in Joshua Tree. They will be perform on August 23 from 7pm-9pm. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the event. Their upbeat sound has not disappointed yet, so join Birmingham Yoga for an evening of Kirtan influenced not only by traditional Sansksirt mantras but African chants, hip hop grooves, southern gospel breakdowns and heart opening poetic expressions. Rahasya is rooted in ancient Indian kirtan and mantra, while pushing the future of chant music with live sequenced thumping bass lines, elements of electronica, hip-hop, afro-beat, gospel, and down tempo grooves. The group coined the term Mantra Beat Music for themselves and the experience lives up to the name. Mantras are interspersed with conscious raps and vocal hooks that spring forth from Surdas, and resonate with uplifting inspiration. Vajraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soulful vocal improvisations and Gershonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s driving keyboard solos push the music into uncharted terrain. Music, in its highest expression, has always served to unify communities and catalyze spiritual awakening. Rahasya is truly grateful to be a part of this living tradition. For more information, call 205-637-4228 or visit BirminghamYoga.com to Purchase tickets. See CRG on Page 30.

Coming in September

Fitness Trends &Tips for People & the Planet

Back to the Basics: Living a Life of Voluntary Simplicity Workshop

iving a Life of Voluntary Simplicity workshops will be held Saturday, August 24 and Saturday, September 28 from 2-4pm at Painted Shovel Mercantile in Avondale. Do you ever feel like you are living your life on automatic pilot? Saying yes to too many outside influences can leave you tired, financially stressed and rob you of your joy you might otherwise share with friends and family. Voluntary Simplicity involves liberating ourselves from non-essential activities in order to live in accordance with our most important goals and values. At this workshop, learn and share with others ways to make conscious decisions about how to spend your time and your money. Essential Values that Characterize Voluntary Simplicity: Personal authenticity, integrity, healthy autonomy, self-reliance. Deliberate reduction of consumption, clutter, noise and social over-commitment. A consciously mindful and appreciative approach to living. A deliberate reduction of material possessions and consumption, reduction of clutter, and unnecessary complexity. Cost is $25 per person. Pre-registration is required by payment in person at Painted Shovel Mercantile, 400 41st St South, Avondale, AL 35222. 205-593-2083. PaintedShovel.com.

For For more information about about advertising and and how how you you can can participate, call call

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August 2013

healthbriefs

Never Too Old to Quit

ven smokers 60 and over can live longer if they quit, according to a 2012 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine. Three experts from the German Cancer Research Center, in Heidelberg, analyzed 17 studies from the United States, Australia, China, England, France, Japan and Spain that followed groups of between 863 and 877,243 people for periods ranging from three to 50 years. Findings showed that the longer a person had been classified as a former, rather than current, smoker, the more their risk of premature death decreased. The researchers also observed that current smokers showed the highest absolute mortality rates in all the studies. Dr. Tai Hing Lam, of the University of Hong Kong, observes that for people in their 60s, quitting was linked to a 21 percent decrease in the risk of premature death. The risk was reduced by 27 percent for those in their 70s and by 24 percent for individuals in their 80s. Lam added that the World Health Organization’s statistic that one out of every two smokers will die from their habit should be printed on all cigarette packages, “…so that all smokers know they are betting their lives on the toss of a coin.”

Glories of Growing Up Grateful

ratitude gifts teens with better mental health, according to researchers at California State University. Thankful teens are more apt to be happy and less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol or have behavior problems at school than their less grateful peers. The researchers asked 700 students, ages 10 to 14, to complete questionnaires initially, and again four years later. Teens that reported practicing the most gratitude at the end of the study enjoyed a 15 percent greater sense of meaning in life, became 15 percent more satisfied with their life overall (at home, at school and with their neighborhood, friends and themselves) and grew 17 percent more happy and hopeful about their lives, plus experienced 13 and 15 percent drops in negative emotions and depressive symptoms, respectively. “These findings suggest that gratitude may be strongly linked with life skills such as cooperation, purpose, creativity and persistence,” making it “a vital resource that parents, teachers and others that work with young people should help youth build up as they grow up,” says lead author Giacomo Bono, Ph.D., a psychology professor at California State University-Dominguez Hills. “More gratitude may be precisely what our society needs to raise a generation that is ready to make a difference in the world.” Source: American Psychological Association’s 120th annual convention

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UMBILICAL CORD BINGO

he Manchester Guardian reports that childbirth experts in the United Kingdom are urging the National Health Service (NHS) to reverse its policy on early clamping and cutting of a newborn’s umbilical cord. A recent Swedish study of 400 full-term infants from low-risk pregnancies published in the British Medical Journal found that delayed cord-clamping at birth resulted in infants being 5 percent less likely of being anemic two days later or iron deficient four months later. The latter problem has been associated with impaired brain development. The practice of separating infants from the placenta within 10 seconds of delivery has been commonplace since the 1960s, as supported by the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, which advises the NHS. However, several doctors, medical organizations and the nonprofit National Childbirth Trust (NCT), plus the World Health Organization, disagree; they advocate leaving the placenta untouched for at least 30 seconds up to whenever it stops pulsating naturally (usually between two to five minutes). Exceptions would be if the baby’s or mother’s health necessitates medical intervention. “At birth, about a third of the baby’s blood is still in his or her cord and placenta,” explains Belinda Phipps, NCT chief executive. Unfortunately, “It is still accepted practice to deprive the baby of this blood.”

Another Plus for Natural Birth

team of researchers at the Yale School of Medicine, in New Haven, Connecticut, has found that vaginal birth triggers the expression of a protein, UCP2 (mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2), in the brains of newborns that improves brain development and function in adulthood. It influences neurons and circuits in the hippocampus, the area responsible for memory. The protein is also involved in the cellular metabolism of fat, a key component of breast milk, suggesting that induction of UCP2 by natural birth may aid the transition to breastfeeding. The researchers also found that this protein expression is impaired in the brains of babies delivered by Caesarean section. These results suggest, “The increasing prevalence of C-sections, driven by convenience rather than medical necessity, may have a previously unsuspected lasting effect on brain development and function in humans,” observes Tamas Horvath, chair of Yale’s Department of Comparative Medicine.

Bounce House Boo-Boos

staple at amusement parks, fast-food restaurants and kids’ backyard parties, inflatable bounce houses look and sound like a lot of fun—yet can cause problems. “I was surprised by the number of injuries, especially by the rapid increase,” says Dr. Gary A. Smith, lead author of a recent study by the Center for Injury Research and Policy that he founded at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital, in Columbus, Ohio. From fewer than 1,000 injuries sending kids 17 and under to emergency rooms in 1995, the number skyrocketed to nearly 11,000 in 2010. Most injuries result from falls or collisions within the bounce houses or from falling out of them; only 3 percent required a hospital stay. Bounce house injuries are similar to those associated with trampolines, and more than a third of the study injuries involved children 5 and younger. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends against letting children younger than 6 use full-size trampolines, and Smith says barring that age group from even smaller, home-use bounce houses makes sense. In addition, the commission recommends limiting use to fewer bouncers at a time and not allowing younger children to participate at the same time as older kids.

BLOGGING AWAY TEEN TROUBLES

dolescent angst, formerly vented in private “Dear diary” entries, is now shared with others in blogs—with positive effect. According to a recent study published in the journal Psychological Services, interactively engaging with an online community is an effective way for teens to relieve social distress. Researchers recruited 161 teenagers that exhibited some level of social anxiety or stress and asked them to blog, with one group opening their posts to comments. Bloggers that wrote about their problems and allowed readers to respond reported the greatest improvement in mood. The comments on blogs were overwhelmingly positive, offering constructive support.

COLORFUL PLATES FOR PICKY EATERS

arents trying to entice fussy eaters to sample more nutritionally diverse diets have a surprising strategy at hand: color. A study at Cornell University, in Ithaca, New York, has shown that colorful fare—specifically, food plates with seven different items and six colors—appear to be particularly favored by children. In contrast, adults tend to prefer fewer colors on one plate—only three items and three hues. Source: Acta Paediatrica

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A Tribute to the American Elderberry

he International Society for Horticultural Science named the elderberry its 2013 Herb of the Year for good reason. In June, scientists gathered in Columbia, Missouri, to share research on the potential of elderberries and elder flowers for preventing and treating illnesses at the first International Elderberry Symposium. For example, Dennis Lubahn, director of the University of Missouri’s Center for Botanical Interaction Studies, and his team are researching the molecular mechanisms behind elderberry’s folk medicine legacy; specifically, how the berries might help prevent strokes, prostate cancer and inflammation while boosting an individual’s resistance to infectious diseases. Preliminary results show that just two tablespoons of elderberry juice per day appear to offer protection against prostate cancer. Madeleine Mumcuoglu, Ph.D., from the Hebrew University Hadassah Medical Center, in Jerusalem, explained how the yet unnamed active principle in elderberry blocks viruses from entering human cells. She believes that elderberry extract holds significant potential for preventing and reducing symptoms of the flu, including avian flu and swine flu, plus HIV and the herpes simplex virus. The effective dose may be just one tablespoon a day. While Mumcuoglu believes elderberry extract is safe, she does not recommend it for pregnant women or those with autoimmune diseases, because it is a known immune system stimulant. “It may be completely risk-free,” she says. “We simply don’t yet have adequate data for proof.”

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new study conducted by researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, in Leipzig, Germany, suggests that young children are intrinsically motivated to see others helped. The researchers observed three groups of 2-year-olds that all saw an adult dropping a small item and struggling to pick it up. One group was allowed to intervene and help the adult. Another group was held back from helping by their parents. The third group watched the adult receive help from another adult. The researchers found that children’s feelings of sympathy (measured by dilated pupil size, which corresponds to increased feelings of concern) were twice as high when they were unable to help the adult and no help was provided, compared to the same indicator when they were able to provide assistance. Ten of the 12 children that were allowed to help did so. The toddlers’ concerns likewise decreased when they watched someone else help the adult. The study’s authors concluded that young children’s helping behavior does not require that they perform the behavior themselves and receive “credit” for it, but requires only that the other person is helped. Thus, from an early age, humans seem to have genuine concern for the welfare of others.

ecotip Wear It Well First Eat Local, Then Dress Local Buying local isn’t just about food choices. In supporting community businesses and reducing our ecological footprint, fiber is another important consideration, encompassing farmers that grow cotton and hemp or raise sheep for wool, fiber artisans and textile designers. The U.S. presently imports about 95 percent of Americans’ clothing, reports the Ecology Global Network (Ecology. com), with most manufactured in countries where sweatshops and human rights abuses are common. Polyester and nylon, the most commonly used synthetic fibers, are derived from petroleum and processed and dyed using synthetic, often toxic substances. According to a 2010 report by China’s

Functional Medicine: a different approach to get you

Ministry of Environmental Protection, the textile industry is that country’s third-worst polluter. The nonprofit Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture’s (cuesa.org) Fibershed program raises public awareness of the issue in Central California. Robin Lynde, a shepherd, weaver and teacher at Meridian Jacobs Farm, in Vacaville, also sells yarn, fleece, felt, lambskin, hand-woven garments and blankets. “Fiber producers, users and designers may not know that there are sheep 10 miles away from them and they can get that fiber,” she says. Fibershed also promotes a Grow Your Jeans program, comprising area sourcing, dyeing and sewing of a limited run of jeans. While textile sustainability in any given region is developing, the organization recommends that residents mend, instead of discard, old clothes, swap clothing or buy used, while resisting marketing pressure to augment wardrobes every season to keep up with trends. Someday, we might be able to visit a nearby field where our clothing is grown. The Sustainable Cotton Project (SustainableCotton.org), based in Winters, California, conducts a Cleaner Cotton program that helps conventional growers transition to more sustainable practices using non-GMO varieties and integrated pest management practices to more gently solve ecological challenges. A big part of the challenge is to get the word out. “To get cleaner cotton to a spinner, someone has to request it,” says Executive Director Marcia Gibbs.

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globalbriefs News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.

Shifting Priorities A Dose of Awe Can Make a Teen More Caring A meta-analysis published in the Personality and Social Psychology Review suggests that experiencing awe helps young people focus less on themselves and more on the world around them. Exposure to natural wonders and accounts of great human accomplishments can do the trick. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a helpful strategy, given that narcissism is on the rise and college students have become dramatically less empathetic over the years, particularly since 2000. Sixty-four percent of respondents ages 18 to 25 surveyed thought getting rich is their most important goal, while only 30 percent believed that helping others in need is important. Awe humbles us in the presence of something greater than ourselves. Experiencing it during adolescence, a period crucial in the formation of self-identity, could help coax teens out of their, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am the center of the world,â&#x20AC;? funk and put them on a path to a life lived in compassionate connection with others. Source: SagePub.com

High-Tech Teachers

Trees like to have kids climb on them, but trees are much bigger than we are, and much more forgiving. - Diane Frolov & Andrew Schneider

Students Use Smartphones to Study Highlighting the potential for digital learning, a new survey by the Verizon Foundation has found that a third of middle school students are already using mobile apps on smartphones to do schoolwork and collaborate with peers on projects. Beyond accessing information via the Internet, students often turn to free apps to play games that help them master math concepts, virtually dissect an animal or analyze clouds and concepts of condensation and more. The Verizon Foundation offers training to educators on integrating mobile technology into lesson plans by partnering with the nonprofit Technology Student Association and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Together, they are sponsoring the Innovative App Challenge, in which hundreds of middle and high school student teams are conceptualizing mobile apps that incorporate science/technology/engineering/mathematics (STEM) activities to solve a problem in their school or community. Ten teams won personal smartphones and $10,000 grants for their schools, plus assistance in creating their apps and bringing them to the public earlier this year. Verizon expects to launch a new edition of the program this fall. Source: The Christian Science Monitor at CSMonitor.com

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GM-Oh-Oh

Chug-A-Lug

GMOs Threaten Wheat Exports

Pricey Bottled Water May Come from a Tap

America lags behind the world in limiting, banning or even labeling genetically modified (GE, GM or GMO) crops, and now Japan has suspended some imports from the United States because of the discovery of unapproved GM wheat in Oregon. The European Union is weighing similar action. Serious economic implications stem from the fact that many countries will not accept imports of genetically modified foods, and the U.S. exports about half of its annual wheat crop. The Washington Post reports the presence of GMO wheat on an 80-acre field in Oregon as a mystery. Monsanto tested a similar strain in Oregon between 1994 and 2005, but the product was never approved for commercial use. The strain was identified in the state when a farmer tried clearing a field using Monsanto’s herbicide and discovered that the wheat could not be killed. Blake Rowe, CEO of the Oregon Wheat Commission, says that reductions in Northwest wheat sales would affect farmers in Idaho and Washington as well as Oregon, because the wheat is blended together. Oregon sold $492 million of wheat in 2011; 90 percent of it went overseas.

Nasty Stuff Monsanto Weed Killer Contaminates Food A peer-reviewed Massachusetts Institute of Technology report published in the scientific journal Entropy points to evidence that residues of glyphosate, the chief ingredient in Roundup weed killer, manufactured by Monsanto and sprayed over millions of acres of crops, has been found in food. The residues enhance the damaging effects of other food-borne chemicals and toxins in the environment known to disrupt normal body functions and induce disease, including Parkinson’s, infertility and cancers. Reuters reports that environmentalists, consumer groups and plant scientists from several countries have warned that heavy use of glyphosate is harming plants, people and animals. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is conducting a standard registration review of glyphosate to determine by 2015 if its use should be limited. Yet Monsanto continues to claim that glyphosate is safe and less damaging than other commonly used herbicides.

Blighted Icon Chestnut Tree Comeback on the Horizon The American chestnut tree once dominated the American landscape from Georgia to Maine, providing the raw materials that fueled our young nation’s westward expansion and inspiring writings by Longfellow and Thoreau. But by the 1950s, the trees, stricken by blight, were all but extinct. Now, after 30 years of breeding and crossbreeding, The American Chestnut Foundation believes it has developed a potentially blight-resistant tree, dubbed the Restoration Chestnut 1.0. The group has adopted a master plan for planting millions of trees in the 19 states of the chestnut’s original range. This year, volunteers in state chapters are establishing seed orchards that will produce regionally adapted nuts for transplanting into the wild.

Peter Gleick, the author of Bottled and Sold: The Story Behind Our Obsession with Bottled Water, found that most companies are cagey about revealing the source of their water. “There’s no legal requirement that they say on their label where the water comes from, and they don’t like to advertise that fact,” says Gleick. As a result, most Americans don’t know much about the origins of what we spend $11 billion a year on. In order to be called “spring water”, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a product has to be either “collected at the point where water flows naturally to the Earth’s surface or from a borehole that taps into the underground source.” Other terms aren’t regulated. Gleick found that about 55 percent of bottled waters are spring water. The other 45 percent is mostly treated tap water, including Aquafina (Pepsi) and Dasani (Coke). Source: Mother Jones

Solar Powered Capturing Energy from Asphalt Roads Asphalt roads throughout the country are well known for soaking up the sun’s rays. Now, new piping technology from the Worcester Polytechnic Institute, in Massachusetts, is offering a way to trap heat and use it elsewhere, potentially transforming blacktopped streets into giant solar energy collectors. It works by using the sun-warmed asphalt to heat water pumped through tubes embedded a few inches below

natural awakenings

August 2013

the road surface. This can help to cool asphalt by utilizing some of the heat that would have remained in the material to heat the circulating water to produce electricity. Researchers are testing different pipe materials and conductive aggregates to add to the asphalt to improve heat absorption. Costs relative to potential returns have yet to be quantified. Source: ForumForTheFuture.org

Collateral Damage Disappearing Wild Pollinators Spell Disaster The perilous decline of domestic honeybees due to the widespread occurrence of colony collapse disorder continues to make news, but wild bees and other insects are often overlooked, even though they are twice as effective in producing seeds and fruit on crops, according to a study of 41 crops in 600 fields worldwide by Argentinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s research network, CONICET. For the first time, scientists have a handle on the huge contribution of wild insects, showing that honeybees cannot replace the wild insects lost as their habitat is increasingly destroyed. Study leader Lucas Garibaldi, of Argentinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National University, in RĂo Negro, says that relying on honeybees is a highly risky strategy, because disease can sweep through a single species and it may not adapt to environmental changes as well as wild pollinators. Also, trucking in managed honeybee hives does not replace native pollinators, which visit more plants, resulting in more effective cross-pollination; honeybees tend to carry pollen from one flower to another on the same plant.

I always prefer to believe the best of everybody, it saves so much trouble. ~Rudyard Kipling

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greenliving

Go Plastic-Free Game On: Ways to Shrink Our Footprint by Randy Kambic

How to Begin

Looking around us, we see plastic everywhere.

esides the customary food and product packaging, plus store bags, consider all the nooks and crannies of our lives that plastic now permeates: eating utensils; baby and pet toys; computer keyboards and accessories; pens; eyeglasses; athletic footwear; backpacks; lighters; beauty care and pill containers; household cleaning bottles; ice cube trays; shaving razors; tool handles; hairbrushes and toothbrushes—even some facial scrubs, shampoos and chewing gum. Beth Terry, author of Plastic Free: How I Kicked the Habit and How You Can Too, points out compelling reasons to take personal action. In 2007, this Oakland, California, resident saw a photo of the decomposed carcass of a Laysan albatross riddled with plastic bits in an article on water pollution. “For several seconds, I could not breathe,” she writes. This seminal moment led her to further research, by which she realized, “This plague of plastic chemicals is harming everyone, and especially the most vulnerable members of our planet—children and animals—and that is both unacceptable and unfair.” She’s been working on going plastic-free ever since. “I made a game of it; a fun, creative, step-by-step challenge,” she advises. “You can’t go through the house and think you can get rid of all plastic immediately. As items get used up,

digestive systems and through our skin; they can also off-gas into the air, according to a recent study by Weber State University’s Energy & Sustainability Office, in Ogden, Utah. Plus, unrecycled plastic materials can enter waterways and kill marine life through ingestion or entanglement (ocean garbage patches are major examples). Reducing our own plastic footprint can both safeguard family health and prove that we are serious about pressuring industry to produce less of it. The key, according to Terry, is not to be intimidated or overwhelmed by plastic overload, but persist in taking baby steps (see MyPlasticFreeLife.com).

you’ll find alternatives.” Once we are in the habit of staying alert to the plastic scourge, we’ll naturally spot opportunities for healthy change-ups.

Science Sounds the Alarm In 2011, Harvard School of Public Health researchers made news by discovering that consuming one serving of canned food daily for five days led to significantly elevated urinary levels of bisphenol-A (BPA). This plastic and epoxy resin ingredient is found in the liners of many food and drink cans and sometimes in plastic bottles. It’s known to be a serious endocrine disrupter. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, altered functions of reproductive organs and other ailments have been linked to high BPA levels in several studies, including one cited in Endocrine Reviews journal. The Manchester Guardian also recently reported that the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety has stated that an unborn baby’s exposure to BPA through the mother could be linked to many health problems, including breast cancer later in life. When plastics are subjected to stress—like heat, light or age—undisclosed additives used in their production for strength, flexibility and color can leach out and even contaminate lab results, as the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry found. Such chemicals can migrate into our

As a starting point, Terry notes that plastic enables the long-distance food distribution system. Reducing food miles associated with our meals helps cut down on the use of plastic. In the kitchen, use airtight stainless steel containers or glass jars or simply refrigerate a bowl of food with a saucer on top to hold leftovers for the next day. Compost food waste. Reuse empty plastic food bags and line garbage cans with old newspapers instead of plastic bags. Terry cautions, “People assume everything that carries the triangular symbol is accepted at all recycling facilities. This is not the case. What isn’t accepted is landfilled or even incinerated.” Also, according to the city of Oakland’s Waste Management Department, she learned that “Much of what we put out for recycling goes to China, and their processing standards are not as strong as ours.” In Plastic Free, the author provides scores of tips for borrowing, renting and sharing products; buying used plastic equipment if it’s a necessity; and avoiding disposable packaging and paper products. Areas for improvement range from personal care and household cleaning products to bags, bottles, grocery shopping, takeout food, portable leftovers and lunches, plus durable goods. Activists will move on to also participate in area cleanups, donate to green organizations and write their legislators. Randy Kambic, a freelance editor and writer in Estero, Florida, regularly contributes to Natural Awakenings.

natural awakenings

August 2013

The Meaning of T’ai Chi Ch’uan

It’s Not T’ai Chi Anymore By Stephen Guesman

his is the first of an occasional series on the gentle art of wellbeing, T’ai Chi: the slow motion martial art originating in China. In the course of these articles I hope to convey the profound physical, mental and even spiritual benefits that result from regular practice of disciplines such as T’ai Chi. We’ll talk about how T’ai Chi promotes physical and emotional balance. We’ll talk about how the cultivation and circulation of ch’i has a rejuvenating effect on the body and all its systems. We’ll talk about the sheer joy of “playing” T’ai Chi on a misty morning with a few dozen strangers. But in this first article we need to talk about language—because you see, it’s not T’ai Chi anymore. It never was T’ai Chi actually. It used to be T’ai Chi Ch’uan. The problem with shortening the title from T’ai Chi Ch’uan to T’ai Chi is that T’ai Chi is something else. Quick, name this symbol:

If you said this is a Yin-Yang, you’ve made an accurate description, but you haven’t named it. The name of this symbol is—you guessed it—T’ai Chi. Does T’ai Chi mean yin-yang? No. So what does T’ai Chi mean? What any Chinese word means in English is 14

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another subject that we’ll pursue below, but for now let’s take the usual translation of “supreme ultimate.” T’ai Chi means not just supreme ultimate but the supreme ultimate: not in the sense of “the best” but rather “the most fundamental.” The T’ai Chi is the supreme ultimate representation of the material world, the fundamental interplay of yin and yang that is the foundation of all things. This is an essential element of Taoism, the Chinese mystical philosophy of which T’ai Chi Ch’uan is an expression (more on this in a later article). A corollary to T’ai Chi would be the difference between a cross and the crucifix. A cross is an accurate enough description but doesn’t begin to convey the significance of the crucifix to those of a Christo-centric persuasion. If the T’ai Chi is a symbol representing the supreme ultimate, what is T’ai Chi Ch’uan? This once again raises the issue of translating Chinese to English. An iconic language such as Chinese is written as a series of pictures (icons) that have varied meanings. To translate any iconic language to a phonetic language, the translator must make many arbitrary choices. This accounts for why there can be several current translations of an Oriental text; there is a lot of room for interpretation. Chuan can be simply translated as “fist,” though not very accurately. Chuan could also be translated as “open hand” as in “no weapon.” A fist also holds no weapon. This helps to make sense of the Boxer Rebellion in China in 1900. It was not a rebellion of boxers. It was the Chuan Rebellion, an uprising of unarmed reactionaries against the Westernization of China.

To translate T’ai Chi Ch’uan as “supreme ultimate fist” is accurate as far as it goes, but what does it mean? I’m confident it does not mean “the best boxers.” T’ai Chi Ch’uan is a martial art that relies on internal strength instead of external. It works with the interplay of hard and soft, receiving and returning, substantial and insubstantial, that is, yin and yang. And it works without weapons. So T’ai Chi Ch’uan means an unarmed system of defense employing the interplay of yin and yang.

But it’s not T’ai Chi Ch’uan any more. Remember when the capital of China was Peking and now it’s Beijing? The Chinese did not move their capital or even rename it. What changed was the Western world’s system of transliterating Chinese to English. The current Pinyin System better approximates the sound of spoken Chinese. So T’ai Chi Ch’uan becomes Tai-ji Quan. In the old transliteration, T’ai Chi Ch’uan players worked on the cultivation and transmission of ch’i. Chi and ch’i are completely different words. The new system avoids this confusion. T’ai Chi is now Tai-ji, and ch’i is qi. The body of breathwork exercises known as Ch’i Kung is now Qigong. Tai-ji Quan is itself a form of Qigong (as is Falon Gong). People who practice Qigong, including Tai-ji Quan players, are concerned with the cultivation of qi. Although it’s not T’ai Chi Ch’uan any more, the reality of it is there are thousands of books on Tai Chi that are going to keep the old system alive for years to come. But most journalists and scholars are using the new system, so what’s a player to do? I’m going to say and write Tai- ji Quan or taijiquan, but I’m not going to waste my time correcting everybody. Just don’t call it Kung Fu and we’ll get along fine. Stephen Guesman plays and teaches Taijiquan in Birmingham. He welcomes comments or corrections to this article. You can reach him at greenworks.sg@gmail.com; be sure to say “taiji” in the subject line. Or call him at 205-919-6231. See Ad on Page 18.

The Embodiment of a Quiet Mind: Breath

Summer Reflections

By Margaret J. Pittenger MSPT A Partner at EMBODY

f we placed two people sitting cross legged next to each other; one a meditator and one not, we would notice one striking difference. The meditator would show a long in breath and out breath and the other person would not. Under a PET scan the meditator’s brain would be quietly consistent with no need to act on any thought, while the non-meditator would have excited brain pathways and little ability to not react to the fast paced patterns. The striking difference between brain patterns and ability to be quiet is the breath. The non-meditator will show a pattern of in:out breath at 2:2, 3:3, 4:4sec; the meditator will show 4:7 upwards to 7:14sec. The brain and nervous systems respond to the longer out breath as the trigger to calm down. We could pass this important point off to practice if it weren’t for the serious health risks that accumulate if you don’t know you can shut off fear, anxiety, depression, pain, and headaches, with consistently longer out breathes. The 2:2, 3:3, 4:4 pattern is called hyperventilating. This means you are breathing faster than your metabolic need and it stays during quiet breathing, not just because you ran down the block to catch the dog. Hyperventilation is the pattern seen when the body is triggered into a fight/flight response with increased Adrenalin and Cortisol coursing through the veins. But I don’t need to see a bear at my front door to trigger this response. I have only to perceive an event is threatening to have increased adrenalin: a war scene on TV, an argument, watching a crazy driver on the highway and expecting a crash, or cutting a finger while chopping vegetables. All these events trigger Adrenalin and hyperventilation. The simple trigger to shut off the response is to breathe out slowly and as long as you can. Then the body knows the fight ended with a hug,

the crazy driver did not hurt anyone, and the cut finger only required a bandage. The long slow out breath practiced consistently stops the body’s fear response and over time can reverse the long term unhealthy responses to Adrenalin and Cortisol. Rapid breathing increases the chemistry of inflammation, heightens pain, decreases oxygen to the brain increasing headaches, and decreases oxygen to the muscles, producing trigger points and spasms. Dizziness, cold hands and feet, feelings of panic and depression become reactions to activities because the body is not getting enough oxygen in and enough CO2 out. Our breathing system cannot be shut off voluntarily once we take our first breath. Three year olds learn this with their first tantrum. The diaphragm has an automatic signal for contraction like the heart. The atmospheric pressures automatically press air out and pull air in. The muscular system works to bring in a breath but relaxes to push air out. The gas laws of physics require the oxygen to replace the space left when we breathe out CO2. Where we can get in our own way is if we are holding trunk muscles tightly and don’t expand enough to breath O2 in or relax enough to push the air out. At EMBODY we teach breath in our yoga classes with Lauren Brown and Becca Impello, Margaret Pittenger teaches a breath class monthly and with every client who comes for PT. We sponsor various classes that teach breath and meditation to conquer anxiety and depression. Andrew Brown, Jill Copeland and Rene Yerby work with the muscular system and the nervous system to loosen patterns and allow deeper breath. The simple fact is a long out breath is very important for healthy living. To get started, come join our knowledgeable staff. EMBODY is located at 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35213. EMBODYbirmingham.com. See Ad on Page 21 and CRG on Page 30.

By Sydne Stone ummer—a time when we take a moment to reflect. The days are longer and we set aside time to relax. Although reflecting on our lives is risky, it’s helpful to take note of what we’ve done well and live with gratitude! Of equal importance is noting those areas to make changes. That can be risky, but without it, we stagnate. So, here’s to taking time to honestly reflect on those positive and not so positive aspects of our lives. The next step, of course, is mapping out a reasonable plan to execute changes. I encourage students to choose a career path that reflects their passion. One that reflects integrity; living according to one’s values and passions. What really energizes and excites them! This is true for all of us. It is time to reflect on our true nature and live according to what energizes us, not drains us. Think about our jobs, our relationships, our habits, how we attend to our physical, emotional and spiritual needs, and how we spend our time. Engaging in activities which drain us is a clue that something is amiss. Some things do create a “good tired” such as a great workout, but those activities that don’t align with our passions or our true nature can drain us and can harm our bodies, our relationships, and our spiritual life. I encourage all of us to spend time this summer reflecting honestly. The journey is challenging yet very rewarding. Sydne Stone has over 25 years of experience working as a mental health counselor in an inpatient and outpatient setting. She has also worked as a school counselor and gifted education teacher. She has a passion about helping people choose paths that are well fitting for them. See Ad on Page 21 and CRG on Page 29.

RETHINKING

CANCER A Brave New World of Effective Natural Therapies by Linda Sechrist

usan Silberstein takes her message for preventing cancer and recurrences to medical and nursing schools, continuing oncology nursing education programs and universities from her BeatCancer.org headquarters in Richboro, Pennsylvania. The nonprofit organization provides research-based education and counseling on how to prevent, cope with and beat cancer through immune-boosting holistic approaches. Since 1977, it has helped nearly 30,000 cancer patients and more than 50,000 prevention seekers. “Early detection is better than late detection, but it’s not prevention,” says Silberstein, who taught the psychology of health and disease at Pennsylvania’s

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Immaculata University. “We focus on building up patients—minimizing treatment side effects, enhancing immune system function, improving nutritional status and addressing the reasons for sickness in the first place.” “Conventional medicine never addresses the cause, which is a process that needs to be understood so the individual can turn it off,” elaborates Massachusetts Institute of Technologytrained scientist Raymond Francis, author of Never Fear Cancer Again: How to Prevent and Reverse Cancer. Based on his experience beating cancer and research into cellular biochemistry and molecular biology, he concluded that the disease is a biological process that

affects the entire body, not something that can be cut out, killed or poisoned. “Central to healing and prevention is the elimination of things that fuel the growth of cancer cells, such as sugar, toxins, heavy metals, nutrient-deficient processed foods and an acidic environment in the body,” observes Francis. “Regular exercise, a daily, high-quality multivitamin and detoxification are equally crucial to restoring the body’s biological terrain.” Doctor of Naturopathy Judy Seeger, founder of CancerCleanseCamp.com and host of CancerAnswers.TV and Cancer Winner Radio, recommends both a regular detoxification regimen and ongoing healthy nutritional plan to help maintain a healing alkaline environment. While this helps cleanse the body of environmental toxins, the toxic emotions and stress that produce acid, weaken the immune system and create an environment for cancer to propagate, must also be dealt with. Experts generally agree on a range of basic, commonsense preventive measures that include a low-fat, plant-based diet; aerobic, flexibility and strength exercises; healthy sleep habits; and other stress-reducing activities. “These are basic ingredients for maintaining sound health, and can be crucial toward improving the health of an individual with cancer,” says Dr. Keith Block, the “father of integrative oncology,” and author of Life Over Cancer. He founded The Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment, in Skokie, Illinois, that customizes care plans based on each person’s medical, biochemical, physical, nutritional and psychosocial needs.

Nourish Biochemistry Thousands of cancer patients have outlived their “medical expiration date” by using alternative nontoxic treatments and approaches, many of which are documented in Outsmart Your Cancer, by Tanya Harter Pierce. Lou Dina, a cancer survivor who like Francis, underwent a journey of intensive research, became a patient advocate and authored Cancer: A Rational Approach to Long-Term Recovery. Dina speaks at conventions hosted by the Foundation for Advancement in Cancer Therapy (FACT), founded in 1971 by

“When it comes to one’s lifetime risk of cancer, healthy diet and lifestyle choices can make all the difference.” ~ Susan Silberstein, Ph.D., founder and president of the Center for Advancement in Cancer Education Ruth Sackman. He also appears with other survivors in the FACT documentary based on Sackman’s book, Rethinking Cancer: Non-Traditional Approaches to the Theories, Treatments and Prevention of Cancer. From decades of findings by international clinicians, FACT educates practitioners and patients to view chronic degenerative diseases as systematic malfunctions caused by breakdowns in the balance of body chemistry that are subject to biorepair. However manifested, they are viewed as correctable and controllable via an individualized program that includes a balanced diet of whole, unprocessed, organic foods—spurred by Gerson therapy that floods the body with organically grown nutrients— supplementation and detoxification. Other key measures involve body temperature therapy, cellular and stem cell therapies and the use of botanicals. “Nutrients in food directly impact the mechanisms by which cancer cells grow and spread,” explains Block. “They also indirectly impact cancer by changing the surrounding biochemical conditions that either promote or inhibit the progression of malignant disease. This is why targeting only tumors is not enough to quash cancer. Conventional cancer therapies almost inevitably leave behind at least a small number of malignant cells. Your internal biochemical terrain plays an integral role in determining whether a tumor will regain a foothold after treatment, metastasize to distant sites or stay where it is without posing a threat.” Block notes that a healthy biochemistry can help prevent unpleasant and possibly life-threatening, complications. An anti-cancer biochemical terrain will even boost a patient’s overall quality of life. At the Block Center, detailed assessments identify disruptions in six defining features of patients’ biochemical terrain—oxidation, inflammation, immunity, blood coagulation, glycemia and stress chemistry. Cancer

thrives on terrain disruptions, which also can impair treatment.

Focus on High-Impact Foods Kathy Bero, founder of NuGenesis Inc., in Stone Bank, Wisconsin, asks, “How many other lives could be saved if doctors prescribed a diet primarily focused on plant-based, angiogenic-inhibiting foods for all cancer patients?” Angiogenesis is the development of new blood vessels. Cancer turns the body against itself by hijacking the angiogenesis process and keeping it permanently activated, ensuring that cancerous cells receive a dedicated, uninterrupted blood supply. “To effectively prevent cancer, inflammation and angiogenesis need to be controlled before a tumor can get a foothold,” advises Bero. Bero has personally beaten back two unrelated aggressive forms of cancer and credits the angiogenic-inhibiting foods in clinical research at the Medical College of Wisconsin, in Milwaukee, and the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha. Examples include green tea, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, apples, grapefruit, lemons, tomatoes, cinnamon, kale, grape seed oil and pomegranate. “These foods also played a significant role in strengthening my immune system and restoring my overall health, which was radically affected by many rounds of chemotherapy and radiation,” remarks Bero.

Boost Recuperative Powers Patrick Quillin, Ph.D., a former vice president of nutrition for a national network of cancer hospitals and author of The Wisdom and Healing Power of Whole Foods and Beating Cancer with Nutrition, recommends a triple threat. “Cancer requires a threefold treatment approach to create a synergistic response. Teaming up to reduce the tumor burden without harming the patient, re-regulate the cancer to normal healthy tissue and nourish the patient’s

recuperative powers is far better than any one approach,” says Quillin. He maintains that restrained medical interventions, appropriate nutrition and naturopathic approaches can bolster nonspecific natural defense mechanisms to reverse the underlying cause of the disease. “Nutrition and traditional oncology treatments are synergistic, not antagonistic, as many oncologists believe,” advises Quillin. Glenn Sabin, founder of FON Therapeutics, similarly suggests that multi-interventional, outcome-based studies, akin to Dr. Dean Ornish’s approach to prostate cancer, could greatly benefit conventional oncology. Sabin recounts his Harvard Medical School-documented remission of advanced leukemia in his upcoming book, N-of-1: How One Man’s Triumph Over Terminal Cancer is Changing the Medical Establishment. Sabin turned to therapeutic nutrition, neutraceuticals, stress reduction and exercise to become a 22-year cancer “thriver” without the aid of conventional therapies. He also emphasizes the importance of the psychological and psychosocial aspects of healing with the cancer patients he coaches. “If you don’t have your head in the game, it’s hard to make anything else work for you,” counsels Sabin.

Your children will see what you’re all about by what you live rather than what you say. ~Wayne Dyer

natural awakenings

August 2013

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I talk to people who do all the right things to improve their biochemistry, but without an emotional detox and spiritual connection to something larger than themselves, their healing process tends to stall.â&#x20AC;? ~ Doctor of Naturopathy Judy Seeger the gentle art of well-being and self-defense

Understand the Connection Silberstein and other leading physicians, including Dr. Tien-Sheng Hsu, a Chinese psychiatrist and author of the Secret to Healing Cancer; Dr. Jingduan Yang, a board-certified psychiatrist and founder and medical director of the Tao Institute of Mind & Body Medicine; and Seeger, believe that the mind and spirit play a significant role in healing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cancer begins in the spirit and ends up in the body, which is why I recommend that anyone positively diagnosed read the Cancer Report,â&#x20AC;? remarks Silberstein. Cancer Report, co-written by John R. Voell and Cynthia A. Chatfield, discusses psychoneuroimmunology and the powerful role that the mind, emotions and spirit play in contributing to or resisting disease and healing even the most terminal of cancers (Tinyurl. com/VoellCancerReport). Yang and Hsu, who also use acupuncture protocols, believe illness

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is a reflection of inner problems that disrupt the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s naturally powerful immune system. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cancer is a symptom delivering a message: You need to take better care of yourselfâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;emotionally, chemically, physically and spiritually,â&#x20AC;? says Yang. As a faculty member of the University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, Yang sees firsthand how few patients understand that the trauma of a diagnosis and treatment can reactivate past traumas, unresolved issues, blockages and repressed emotions. Both he and Hsu offer mind/ body/spirit interventions to help patients cope better. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I talk to people who do all the right things to improve their biochemistry, but without an emotional detox and spiritual connection to something larger than themselves, their healing process tends to stall,â&#x20AC;? Seeger observes. Her online talk shows feature long-term cancer survivors like Dr. Carl Helvie, author of You Can Beat Lung Cancer Using Alternative/Integrative Interventions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It all comes down to the microcosm of the cell. If we give our 73 trillion cells everything they need, the macrocosm of the body will function properly,â&#x20AC;? says Francis. The authors of Cancer Killers, Dr. Charles Majors, Dr. Ben Lerner and Sayer Ji, agree. Up till now, they attest that the war on cancer has been almost exclusively an assault on the disease, rather than an enlightened preventive campaign that clearly identifies and counters how cancer develops. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The battle can only be won by instructing people in how to boost their bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s immune responses to kill cancer cells before they face a full-blown diagnosis and showing them how to aggressively address the hostile exterior agents that turn healthy cells cancerous.â&#x20AC;? The best winning strategy is to naturally nurture a bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;structurally, chemically, energetically, emotionally and spirituallyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;so that the inner terrain naturally kills cancer cells and stops them from growing. Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Visit ItsAllAboutWe. com for the recorded interviews.

A DV E RTO R I A L

Natural Iodine Supplementation A Must for Most Americans

e all need iodine, yet most of us don’t get enough of it through our diet. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that iodine deﬁciency in the developed world has increased fourfold in the past 40 years and now affects nearly three-quarters of all adults. Numerous U.S. practicing physicians quoted widely in the media estimate that the incidence of hypothyroidism in our adult population may be between 30 and 70 percent. Thus, we can’t efﬁciently produce the thyroid hormones that serve as chemical messengers triggering nearly every bodily function. The presence or absence of iodine affects our every cell.

Natural Awakenings Detoxifed Iodine is 100 percent natural, raw iodine in an ethyl alcohol solution. We thank all those that are beneﬁting from this product and enthusiastically telling us their great results. H Available only at NAWebstore.com I My wife, who suffered from extreme fatigue and other symptoms, saw a dramatic increase in energy after just a few days of taking the natural iodine drops. Now if she misses a day, she’ll end up falling asleep in the middle of the afternoon, like she used to do before taking the iodine. It works! ~ Aaron My doctor told me that I had a hypothyroid condition, prescribed medication and was happy with the follow-up test results, yet I noticed no positive effects on my overall wellbeing. Within two weeks of using the Natural Awakenings Detoxiﬁed Iodine, I had more energy, felt more awake and enjoyed clearer thinking and greater peace of mind. People even comment that I look younger. I am a fan! ~ Larry

Be Aware of Hypothyroidism Symptoms Low thyroid function, or hypothyroidism, is the most recognized and obvious indicator of low iodine intake because the thyroid gland contains more concentrated iodine than other organs. Symptoms can range from extreme fatigue and weight gain to depression, carpal tunnel syndrome, high blood pressure, ﬁbrocystic breasts and a variety of skin and hair problems. Hypothyroidism can further cause infertility, joint pain, heart disease and stroke. Low iodine levels also have been associated with breast and thyroid cancers. In children, insufﬁcient iodine has been strongly linked with mental retardation,

deafness, attention deﬁcient and hyperactivity disorder and impaired growth, according to studies by Boston University, China’s Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and France’s National Academy of Medicine. The answer is simple: Taking the right kind of iodine in the right dosage can rebalance thyroid function and restore health to the thyroid and the whole body.

Reasons Behind Iodine Deficiency Radiation: Almost everyone is routinely exposed to iodine-depleting radiation emitted by cell phones, Wi-Fi, microwave ovens and other electronic devices. Iodized table salt: The human body cannot utilize the iodide added to this product. Low-sodium diets: Failure to use healthy salts to fulﬁll sodium requirements, plus over-

use of zero-nutrient table salt in foods, leads to iodine depletion. Bromine: This toxic chemical overrides iodine’s abilities to nourish the thyroid, adrenal and other hormone-producing glands. A known carcinogen, it is used as an anticaking ingredient found in almost all baked goods, unless the ingredients specifically cite unbromated flour. Iodine-depleted soils: Due to poor farming techniques, iodine and other minerals in soil have declined, so most foods today are devoid of naturally occurring iodine. Proper iodine supplementation with a high-quality product like Natural Awakenings Detoxified Iodine can prevent harm by protecting the thyroid and other endocrine glands and restoring proper hormone production.

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August 2013

Cutting Through the Nutrition Nonsense by Steve Dupont, RD, LD

Mono and Diglycerides – Other common emulsifiers that are perfectly harmless. Turmeric – Natural yellow spice, which may in fact have anti-cancer properties. I’m on the fence about: Xanthan Gum – a polysaccharide (chain of sugars) produced by growing bacteria; used as a thickening agent; because corn, soy and wheat are often used as growth medium for the bacteria, those with sensitive allergies may react to xanthan gum.

Processed Food Ingredients: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

ith many processed foods these days, it seems as if you need a PhD in chemistry just to decipher the ingredients list. But which of these ingredients are benign, or even beneficial, and which might be quite harmful? Unfortunately, bowing to pressure from food manufacturers, the FDA does not even require that all these chemical ingredients be listed out by name. In fact, consumer groups estimate there are over 10,000 such items that can be listed collectively as “flavors,” “spices,” “artificial flavoring,” or “artificial colors.” As for those that require specific labeling, here is a guide to some of the most commonly seen agents, which I’ve grouped into the “Good” the “Bad” and the “Ugly,” this latter category being the worst of the worst.

THE GOOD LIST Acacia Gum (a.k.a. Guar Gum) - Made from acacia tree sap; used as a binding agent, contains soluble fiber. Annatto – Extract from seeds of the achiote tree; used to add orange/yellow coloring and/or a nutty, peppery flavor. 20

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Ascorbic Acid – Vitamin C; antioxidant to preserve and fortify foods; prevents scurvy, one of the most heinous diseases known to man. Calcium Carbonate – Natural calcium compound most often found in seashells; used as a leavening agent and to fortify foods; helps fortify bone and prevent osteoporosis. Casein – Milk-derived protein used as a binding agent; likely not a significant source of protein as an additive; rarely causes a severe allergic reaction in some people. Expeller-Pressed Oils – Oils processed mechanically, without chemicals. Glycerin – Sweet, clear liquid that, like water, contains only hydrogen and oxygen; used as a humectant (keeps foods moist), solvent, sweetener or filler. Lecithin – Found naturally in egg yolks, meat and some vegetables and legumes; used as an emulsifier (helps oil and water mix); contains phospholipids that serve as the building blocks for cell membranes.

Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) – chemical used to prevent fats/oils from turning rancid; shown to cause bladder cancer in one animal study, yet a different study concluded that BHA and BHT may actually have anti-cancer properties.

THE BAD LIST Acesulfame Potassium – Some weak links to cancer (in animal studies); a foreign chemical as far as the body is concerned; much of the product comes from China, which has a bad track record for heavy metals and other contaminants in its foodstuffs. Autolyzed Yeast Extract – “Natural” variant of monosodium glutamate used as a flavor enhancer; works in part by overstimulating and damaging neurons (brain cells). Bleached Flour – Not only an issue of the bleaching agents (chlorine, bromine, peroxide) being mild poisons, but bleached flour is stripped of virtually all nutrients. Caramel Coloring – Commercially processed with ammonia, a poison; according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the high levels of caramel color found in soda account for roughly 15,000 cancers in the U.S. annually. Partially Hydrogenated Oil – contains trans fats, which are pro-inflammatory and more likely to clog arteries. Sodium Benzoate – reacts with certain compounds, namely ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to form benzene, a known carcinogen.

Sodium Nitrite – Processed meat preservative, combines with amino acids (protein) to form nitrosamines, known carcinogens.

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Sucralose – A.k.a. Splenda, shown in one study to kill friendly gut bacteria. Soy Protein Concentrate and Isolate – almost guaranteed from GMO soy, which is soaked with glyphosate herbicide (Roundup).

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and . . .THE UGLY LIST Aspartame – Whether it “causes cancer” is a matter of heated debate – probably not, but aspartame’s excitotoxic properties are well documented to cause migraine headaches and even seizures in some people. Artificial Colors – Linked to attention and hyperactivity disorders in children; increased tumor formation in several animal studies; likely contaminated with untold other toxins. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) – Perhaps the most infamous umami flavor additive of all time, once primarily associated with Chinese food. Quoting from the journal Neurotoxicity Research (June 2007), “Monosodium glutamate (MSG) treatment of neonatal rodents leads to degeneration of the neurons in the arcuate nucleus, inner retinal layers and various other brain areas. It also causes various changes in the motor activity, sensory performance and learning abilities.” Granted, that could mean a lot of things, but it sure doesn’t sound good! Granted, this is a lot of information to “process,” pun intended. And there are literally hundreds if not thousands more items I haven’t mentioned here. So unless you want to become a walking encyclopedia of food additives, my basic advice is this: eat real food! You know, the kind with only one ingredient. No reading required. Just look at the thing and you know, “That’s asparagus, that’s salmon, that’s extra virgin olive oil,” and so on. Grocery shopping actually becomes a quick and easy endeavor. And, perhaps best of all, you don’t have to worry about spending the next five years of your life getting a PhD in chemistry!

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Steve Dupont, RD, LD, is a registered dietitian and founder of Dupont Dietary Consulting LLC. A “true believer” in the power of nutrition, Steve is committed to serving those wishing to enjoy delicious food while reaping its health benefits. Specialties include weight loss, energy balance, supplements, cooking and meal planning. 205-213-7953. SteveDupont.com.

of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children. ~Nelson Mandela

natural awakenings

August 2013

naturalpet

Preventing Seizures Natural Dog Remedies Can Out-Do Drugs by Dr. Shawn Messonnier

eople often seek out a holistic veterinarian due to concerns about conventional medications. One new client recently inquired about her 3-year-old female poodle diagnosed with epilepsy last year. The traditional veterinarian’s prescription for phenobarbital was helping to control the seizures, but the owner questioned the long-term consequences of feeding her pet the drug for the rest of its life. Surely, she thought, there must be a natural alternative. There are many causes for canine seizures, with epilepsy being the most common. Epilepsy is the term used when the cause is unknown, so testing is needed to ensure other factors are not present. These might include toxicities, especially in younger dogs and puppies (may include vaccines); brain tumors, more common in older dogs and certain breeds such as boxers and Boston terriers; infections, as in meningitis, or immune disorders such as the neurologic disease granulomatous me-

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ningoencephalitis, or GME; parasites, including aberrant heartworms; and regional diseases such as tick-borne illnesses like Lyme or ehrlichiosis. Common testing includes a physical examination, food hypersensitivity and blood tests, tick serology, urine, fecal and cerebrospinal fluid analyses and a brain scan, which is usually a computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Not all tests are needed on all pets because the veterinarian will rule out issues during the process. If other causes are ruled out and the problem is labeled as epilepsy, phenobarbital can be helpful, although side effects can occur as a result, including liver disease. In every case, the animal should be examined at least two to four times a year for possible complications from the drug, starting with a blood profile and urinalysis. It’s always best to supplement such treatment with natural remedies to help

protect the liver, including milk thistle and choline. Alternatively, natural therapies don’t usually lead to side effects or require the same intense regimen of regular evaluation. Patients have experienced good results with phosphatidylcholine, which works to stabilize brain cell membranes, and so reduce and prevent seizures, while also providing detoxification support for the liver. Phosphatidylcholine supplements are also used to prevent and treat another common neurological problem in pets—cognitive disorder (akin to Alzheimer’s in humans). Dimethylglycine supplementation aids in treating seizures, as well. It both supports the nervous system and provides energy to the body’s cells. Herbs, including valerian, passionflower, kava, gastrodia (tian ma), uncaria (gou teng), ostrea concha (mu li) and buthus martensi (quan xie), can also be helpful. Because they can be powerful natural medicines that could interact with each other and with prescription medicines, use them only under veterinary supervision. Homeopathic remedies are also widely incorporated into natural treatments of seizures such as tinctures of stramonium and belladonna. A twicedaily homeopathic detoxification treatment for pets experiencing seizures from any cause, using berberis, nux vomica and lymphomyosot, is recommended, as well. Due to the overwhelming success of using natural therapies for pets with epilepsy at our Paws & Claws Animal Hospital, most do not need to rely on medications for the problem. Those pets that arrive on a regimen of strong anticonvulsant drugs are slowly weaned off of them, resulting in improved health, lower vet bills and better control of recovery. Most never have another seizure, as long as they stay on the natural therapy protocol prescribed. Shawn Messonnier, a doctor of veterinary medicine practicing in Plano, TX, is the award-winning author of The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats and Unexpected Miracles: Hope and Holistic Healing for Pets. Visit PetCareNaturally.com.

healingways

Nature’s Antibiotics Recover Health with Less Risk by Kathleen Barnes

We live in a world of microbes: bacteria, viruses, fungi and other pathogens that can make us sick. Most of the time, our immune systems are able to fight off microbial attacks, yet we’ve all experienced unsettling infections.

When Use Becomes Overuse In recent years, conventional medicine has increasingly used antibiotics as a universal remedy against all kinds of microbial attacks—even though they are ineffective against anything except bacterial infections. It’s best to use them selectively and cautiously when nothing else will do the job, because by definition, they are “opposed to life.” The worst-case scenario is what we have now: overuse creating “superbugs,” able to multiply out of control, sometimes with fatal consequences, even when treated with antibiotics that used to work. “Antibiotics are helpful and effective when used properly when there is a bacterial infection such as strep throat, urinary tract infection, bacterial pneumonia or a wound that has become infected,” explains Doctor of Naturopathy Trevor Holly Cates, of Waldorf Astoria Spa, in Park City, Utah. “But antibiotics are so overused and overprescribed that bacteria are changing in ways to resist them. This has become a significant public health problem.” National and global public health officials have expressed increasing concerns about dangers posed by such bacteria, including methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), which are often transmitted between patients in hospital settings, and a multiantibiotic-resistant form of tuberculosis.

The problem is compounded by the use of antibiotics to enhance growth and production in livestock. A variety of superbugs have been found in meat, poultry and milk products, according to the nonprofits Center for Science in the Public Interest and Environmental Working Group. Chris Kilham, a worldwide medicine hunter who teaches ethnobotany at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, explains the transmission. “When you eat conventionally raised meat, you’re not getting antibiotics, but you are getting bits of self-replicating genetic material that transfer antibiotic resistance to your body, which can prove fatal.”

Preferred Alternatives Fortunately, there are many natural substances that have proven to be effective against bacteria, viruses, fungi and other infectious microbial pathogens— all without dangerous side effects. Here’s a short list: Propolis, sometimes called “bee glue”, produced by bees to seal their hives and protect them from infections, is “the single most powerful antimicrobial we have in the plant kingdom,” advises Kilham. That claim is backed by numerous studies from institutions such as Britain’s National Heart and Long Institute, the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and Harokopio University, in Greece. In 2005, a study by Turkey’s

Hacettepe University showed that propolis killed both MRSA and VRE bacteria. Other studies by Italy’s University of Milan have shown propolis’ effectiveness in combating upper respiratory infections and Candida albicans fungal infections. Propolis is also available in pill form. Pelargonium sidoides is a favored option for Cates to abbreviate both the duration and severity of cold and flu, including any lingering cough or sore throat. This South African medicinal is also known as African geranium. Usually used in tincture form, it’s also useful against a large range of microbial infections. One study from the Russian Institute of Pulmonology reported that nearly 70 percent of participating adults with bronchitis received relief within four days—more than double those that became well taking a placebo. Olive leaf extract was first mentioned in the Bible and recent research confirms its effectiveness against a wide variety of microbial infections. A U.S. Department of Agriculture study published in the Journal of Food Science confirms that olive leaf extract is effective in fighting food-borne pathogens like salmonella and E. coli, labeling it a broad-spectrum antimicrobial. New York University School of Medicine research published in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications showed that olive leaf extract reversed many HIVrelated changes in the immune system. Retired medical journalist Dr. Morton Walker, author of Nature’s Antibiotic: Olive Leaf Extract, wrote that olive leaf extract “inhibits the growth of every virus, bacterium, fungus, yeast and protozoan it was tested against… and is effective against a minimum of 56 disease-causing organisms.” In a worst-case scenario, “If antibiotics are the only alternative to treat a labconfirmed bacterial infection, it’s vital to replace the beneficial intestinal bacteria inevitably wiped out by the drug,” concludes Cates. “Sometimes a few servings of a good natural yogurt (without sugar or fruit) will suffice. If not, look for a highquality probiotic to restore the digestive system’s natural bacterial colony.” Kathleen Barnes is a natural health advocate, author and book publisher (KathleenBarnes.com).

natural awakenings

August 2013

consciouseating

Good Food on a Tight Budget Tips to Get Top Value from Each Dollar by Kathleen Barnes

or many, the recent economic downturn has affected the way we shop for food. Even families that cook dinner at home most nights are struggling to afford the ingredients to make healthy meals, says Laura Seman, a senior manager for Cooking Matters, a national program that educates families in need about reaping the most from local food resources. “Putting good food on the family

table on a five-or-six-dollar-a-day per person budget is tough, but it’s possible,” advises Nutritionist Dawn Undurraga, a registered dietitian and coauthor of the Environmental Working Group’s online publication, Good Food on a Tight Budget. “Even eating for one is doable for under $200 a month. When you fill your cart with the foods listed, you’re building health, lowering exposure to agricultural chemicals, protecting the environment and cutting grocery bills.” In considering how consumers can maximize nutritional value in their spending, researchers examined 1,200 foods to help people get beyond the common perception that eating healthy is expensive. “We looked at food prices, nutrients, pesticides, environmental pollutants and artificial ingredients,” says Undurraga. “Then we chose the top 100 or so, based on balancing all of those factors.”

Think Outside the Box Some of the EWG findings might surprise many of us: Raw cabbage is the top-ranked food because of its price and high nutritional value as a cruciferous vegetable. For less than 10 cents a serving, it poses far fewer calories than potatoes and is a worthy addition to salads, soups and stir-fries. 24

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The next highest marks for price and nutrition spotlight carrots, bananas, pears, watermelon and frozen broccoli, each at less than 30 cents a serving. Bananas and pears usually cost less than apples, plus they customarily endure fewer pesticide applications. The best animal protein award goes to roasted turkey; hot dogs ranked last. The next-best animal protein identified is a whole chicken, roasted at the beginning of the week and used in various ways for future meals. Fresh, whole carrots and sweet potatoes are among the best produce buys, but frozen corn and broccoli almost always cost less than their fresh equivalents and are just as nutritious. A serving of oatmeal is half the cost of sugary processed cereals, plus it’s more filling and causes less fluctuation in blood sugar levels. Canned salmon is almost always wild caught and is much cheaper than fresh, but be wary of BPA (bisphenol-A) migration from the can. Queso blanco, a mild, soft, white cheese common in Latino cooking, is both less expensive and less processed than many other cheeses.

Change Our Routine Tracie McMillan, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, author of the bestselling book, The American Way of Eating, learned how to eat on a tight budget as an undercover journalist. She had to budget for food based on wages working on a farm in California, in the produce department of a Michigan superstore and in a New York City restaurant kitchen. The task was even more difficult because she was determined to eat as healthy as possible. “Time and energy are key ingredients when cooking from scratch,” says McMillan. “I was exhausted after a day spent working these physically demanding jobs and quickly became more apathetic about healthy food than I generally am.”

Without disposable funds for the fast-food route, cooking from scratch was mandatory. She learned how to soak beans overnight, cook a large pot of them and freeze helpings to reheat later. The cost was about 50 cents a meal, compared with $3 for two or three servings from a can. Eggs, brown rice and sweet potatoes became an important—and healthy—part of her weekly diet. McMillan also gained a lasting affection for roasted vegetables, both as part of meals and as snacks. “I just cut up a couple of sweet potatoes, add some

broccoli or beans or whatever is cheap at the supermarket or farmers’ market, toss in a tablespoon of olive oil and I’m set for two or three days,” she says. Also, “I learned to use meat more as a seasoning than as a main course.” Find more tips and pages of recipes at ewg.org/goodfood. Kathleen Barnes has authored many books on natural health, including Rx from the Garden: 101 Food Cures You Can Easily Grow. Connect at KathleenBarnes.com.

Eat Well, Spend Less Freeze cheese that starts going bad. Defrosted cheese tastes best melted. Don’t buy shredded cheese—shred it at home.

meals. Raw nuts are often the less expensive option; roast them for a delicious snack. Freeze nuts so they’ll stay fresh longer.

Substitute yogurt for cream and sour cream in recipes. Drain yogurt in a coffee filter to thicken. To economize and reduce package waste, buy in volume and measure out small servings.

Whole or cut-up bone-in chicken can save money. Buy family-size packs on sale and freeze. Bake extra and use all week.

Cut and freeze fresh fruit when it’s on sale or overripe. Use later in smoothies, oatmeal or yogurt. To eliminate clumping, lay pieces on a tray to freeze or freeze pureed fruit in ice cube trays. When frozen, transfer to a bag. Make sure the word “whole” is in the very first ingredient listed on the label. “Multigrain” or “wheat” language or a brown color isn’t enough.

Soak and cook dried beans to save money. Before vegetables go bad, freeze them or make soup. Stock up on veggies that store well in a cool, dry place. Potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, calabaza (squash and melons) and sweet potatoes hold their taste for several weeks. Frozen vegetables and cabbage keep well, too. Source: ewg.org/goodfood

Start kids off right with whole grains, not white bread and white pasta. If they’re not used to whole grains, mix them in gradually. Buy in bulk and stock up during sales. Avoid pricey oatmeal packets; they’re often loaded with salt and sugar. Buy wholegrain bread on sale and freeze. Add nuts to oatmeal, cereal, salads and stir-fries for healthy, hearty

It is the many practitioners and businesses who advertise that make Natural Awakenings possible. Ɣ They are providing you with one of the most valuable resources for healthy living in Alabama. Ɣ Through their dedication and commitment we work together for happier, healthier communities. Ɣ Please support these practitioners and businesses who are making a difference.

natural awakenings

August 2013

calendarofevents THURSDAY, AUGUST 1 Alabama Civil Rights Landmarks: 50 Years Later – daily through Aug 25. DJ Boyd’s photography exhibition the Edmund Pettus Bridge, 16th Street Baptist Church, 4th Avenue Business District and other civil rights landmarks. Admission charged. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, 520 16th St N, Birmingham, AL. 205-328-9696. Upledger Institute Cranio-Sacral 1 – 9am-5pm, Aug 1-4. This 24 hour CEU course will teach Level 1 CranioSacral techniques. $795. EMBODY Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35213. 205-637-0299. EMBODYbirmingham. com. Info@EMBODYBirmingham.com. Photo Guild Presents: Spotlight on Alabama Photographers – 6:30-7:30pm. Join Curator Ron Platt as he discusses the works by Alabama photographers currently on display in the Museum. Admission free. Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203. 205-254-2565. Lecture and Book Signing: Veronica Kavass, “Artists in Love” – 7-8pm. Nashville author Veronica Kavass discusses her latest work, Artists in Love: From Picasso & Gilot to Christo & Jeanne-Claude, A Century of Creative and Romantic Partnerships. Admission free. Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203. 205-254-2565.

The Fascinating World of Moths – 5-10pm. This class will explore the fascinating world of moths and the many important roles they play in nature, including that of herbivores, detritivores and as food for predators. $40 Members; $45 Non-Members. Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223. 205-414-3950. BBGardens.org.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 4 Slow Art Sundays: Eminence – 2-3pm. Unlock the secrets of the Museum’s collection through the art of looking slowly. Join us today as we look at Jeff Donaldson’s Eminence. Caroline Wingate, master docent, leads the discussion. Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203. 205-254-2565. Jazz in the Park—Julian Vaughn, Foxxy Fats, Take 7 – 6-9pm. Admission free. Linn Park, 710 20th St North, Birmingham, AL 35203.

MONDAY, AUGUST 5 Introduction to Yoga – 5:30-6:45pm. In this six week series the student will be given the building blocks for the union of the breath, body and mind through yoga. Cost $72. Space is limited to 15 so register early. For more information or to register, call 205-637-4228 or visit BirminghamYoga.com.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 9 FRIDAY, AUGUST 2 The 5 Essentials of Health with Dr. Krystal: Nutrition – 11am. Dr. Krystal Drwencke, a chiropractor from Homewood Friends & Family Chiropractic, shares tips for a healthier lifestyle for a more enjoyable life. Homewood Public Library, Large Auditorium, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 3 Southeastern Outings River Float, Picnic, Swim on the Locust Fork – Easy river float on the Locust Fork River. Bring a picnic lunch, drink, sunscreen and something to float on. Depart 9am from the Hayden/Corner Park and Ride. For info, email Dan Frederick at seoutings@bellsouth.net or call 205631-4680. SEOutings.org. Lake Stomp – 10am. Get your feet wet. We will be investigating what you might find in the lake or stream or even the backyard pond. Meet at the Park Office on Terrace Drive, and then travel to water. Oak Mountain State Park, 200 Terrace Dr, Pelham, AL 35124. 205-620-2520.

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The 5 Essentials of Health with Dr. Krystal: Regulating Your Blood Sugar – 11am. Dr. Krystal Drwencke, of Homewood’s Friends & Family Chiropractic, discusses how to regulate blood sugar. Homewood Public Library, Large Auditorium, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10 Open Meditation – 7:45-8:45am and 12:151:15pm. EMBODY Practice Center will be open to anyone looking for a quiet space to meditate. Props will be available. Admission free. EMBODY Practice Center 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100. Let us know to expect you: 205-637-0299 or email info@EMBODY Birmingham.com. EMBODYbirmingham.com. Reiki Level I – 8am-6pm. Reiki is a natural system of healing for the body, mind and spirit. Reiki 1 certificate awarded and NCBTMB 10 CE hours eligible. Cost: $155 early bird special or $175 after Aug 1. For more information or to register, call 205637-4228 or visit BirminghamYoga.com. Southeastern Outings Short Dayhike and Glorious Swim at High Rock in the Little River

Canyon National Preserve – Bring picnic lunch, water, swimsuit, river shoes and any kind of a flotation device you wish. Depart 8am from Applebee’s Restaurant Trussville. Info: David Freeman, 205491-8845. Breath Class with Margaret Pittenger – 9am12pm. With Margaret’s training in Feldenkrais and yoga, this will be a unique opportunity to experience lightness and peacefulness within the body through the breath. Appropriate for all ages and abilities. $50. EMBODY Practice Center 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100. Register with mjpittenger@gmail.com. EMBODYbirmingham.com.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 11 CDF Community Fest – 2-7pm. A free event with creative activities and performances for the entire family to enjoy, including an interactive drum circle, kids’ craft zone, outdoor moonwalk, dancing and dance performances, food, drinks and a silent auction. Children’s Dance Foundation, 1715 27th Court South, Birmingham, AL 35209. 205-870-0073. Adaptations Screening Party: Les Miserables 2:30pm. Free and open to the public. Avondale Regional Library, 509 40th St South, Birmingham, Alabama 35222. 205-226-4000. Urban Chicken Coop Tour – 3-5:30pm. We’ll take a drive around Birmingham to see how our neighbors are housing their yard birds (from simple to posh). Cost is $15 per person. Pre-registration is required by payment in person at Painted Shovel Mercantile, 400 41st St South, Avondale, AL 35222. 205-593-2083. PaintedShovel.com. Jazz in the Park—Linn Rountree, Neo Jazz Collective – 6-9pm. Admission free. Caldwell Park, 26th St South and Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 13 The Oxmoor Page Turners Book Club – 6:30pm. Join us as we explore the young adult novel The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie. Homewood Public Library, Boardroom, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14 West Homewood Night Farmers Market – 6-9pm. A small market with a great atmosphere. 160 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-427-5665. WestHomewood.com.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 15 Book Talk & Book Signing with Author Avery Yearby – 6pm. Author Avery Yearby discusses his

memoir about his life with Myasthenia Gravis. The MG Society will receive 20% of the proceeds from books purchased at the signing. Homewood Public Library, Round Auditorium, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620.

sequences. Open to LMTs, PTs, and Ots. $950. EMBODY Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35213. 205637-0299. EMBODYbirmingham.com. Info@ EMBODYBirmingham.com.

From the Garden to the Grill – 6-8pm. $25. Arrington Plant Adventure Zone, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223. 205-414-3950. BBGardens.org.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 20

SATURDAY, AUGUST 17 Tannehill Trade Days – The third weekend of each month, from March through November, shoppers and swappers come from far and near to Tannehill Trade Days in search of tools, clothing, jewelry, knives, furniture and other treasures. Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park, 12632 Confederate Parkway, McCalla, AL 35111. 205-477-5711. Tai Chi Chuan and Qi Gong Workshop with Swami Kaalanatha – 9am-12pm. Explore the history and foundation of Tai Chi Chuan. $35. EMBODY Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35213. Email Swami Kaalanatha at kalanatha@bellsouth.net or call 205-332-7163.

Lake Trail Walk – 10am. We will hike to the Bridge and back, an invigorating 2 mile walk. Meet at the Marina parking lot on Terrace Drive. Well behaved, leashed pets are welcome on this hike. Free after park admission. Oak Mountain State Park, 200 Terrace Dr, Pelham, AL 35124. 205-620-2520.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 18 Alabama Theatre Summer Film Series: Gone with the Wind – 2pm. American classic in which a manipulative woman and a roguish man carry on a turbulent love affair in the American south during the Civil War and Reconstruction. $8. Alabama Theatre, 1817 Third Ave North, Birmingham, AL 35203. 205-252-2262. Jazz in the Park—KB’s Technique, Laser’s Edge, Rickey Powell – 6-9pm. Admission free. Beacon Park, 5309 Beacon Dr, Irondale, AL 35210.

MONDAY, AUGUST 19 KLOSE Manual Lymph Drainage Certification 8am-5pm, Aug 19-24. This 45-hour CEU course will teach participants basic MLD treatment

Jazz in the Park—Norman Brown – 6-9pm. Admission free. Taste of Fourth Avenue Jazz Festival, 4th Ave and 18th St, Birmingham, AL. JustATaste.org.

The A,B,C’s of Medicare – 12pm and 6pm. Karen Haiflich will answer all your questions about the how benefits are currently computed, how to become insured, and how to file a claim. Homewood Public Library, Room 116, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25

Pepper Place Street Market – 4-8pm. Farmers, Food Trucks and Cajun Music with dancing. Music provided by The Swamp Poppas. Bring your kids, dogs and dancing shoes and join the fun. Pepper Place, 2829 2nd Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35233. PepperPlaceMarket.com.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30

Adaptations AfterParty: Les Miserables – 6:30pm. Discuss the book and the film. Open to the public; admission free. Avondale Regional Library, 509 40th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 205-226-4000.

Jazz in the Park—Jazz in Pink – 6-9pm. Admission free. Taste of Fourth Avenue Jazz Festival, 4th Ave and 18th St, Birmingham, AL. JustATaste.org.

Restorative Yoga at EMBODY – 6pm-8pm. Join Lauren Brown for a full session of restorative yoga, where your mind and body can rest and renew with the help of props and massage to support the body’s relaxation. $25. EMBODY Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100. Register with lauren@embodybirmingham.com. EMBODYbirmingham.com.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 31

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21 Southeastern Outings Easy River Float #2 from Swann Bridge, Picnic, Swim, Short, Moderate Dayhike – Bring a picnic lunch, drink, sunscreen, and something to float on such as an inflatable vinyl float or air mattress. Depart 9:30am from the Cleveland Chevron. For info, email Dan Frederick at seoutings@ bellsouth.net or call 205-631-4680. SEOutings.org.

August Montevallo Artwalk – 5-8pm. Come for the art, stay for the food and drink. Main Street, Montevallo, AL 35115. 205-665-6230.

The Better Than Therapy Book Club – 2pm. What if you could live again and again, until you got it right? Join us as we discuss this Kate Atkinson’s poignant Life After Life. Homewood Public Library, Boardroom, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23 Kirtan Rahasya – 7pm-9pm. Join Birmingham Yoga for an evening of Kirtan influenced not only by traditional Sansksirt mantras but African chants, hip hop grooves, southern gospel breakdowns and heart opening poetic expressions. For more information, call 205-637-4228 or visit BirminghamYoga.com to purchase tickets.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 24 Southeastern Outings River Beach Party, Swim and Picnic at Barton’s Beach in Perry County – The area is an extensive sand beach on the Lower Cahaba River. The scenery is spectacular. Please bring swimsuit, towel, picnic lunch and drink. Depart 9am from McDonald’s Galleria. Info: Acyenith Alexander, 205-529-2253. SEOutings.org. Fultondale Founder’s Day – 10am-9pm. Celebrate Founder’s Day in Fultondale with children’s activities, music and vendors. Admission free. Black Creek Park, Fultondale, Yarbrough Rd, Fultondale, AL 35068. Vendor Information call 205-841-4481.

Plant-Animal Interactions – 9am-1pm. We will build an appreciation for how plants can be affected by the animals with which they interact, focusing on local examples where possible. $40 Members; $45 Non-Members. Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223. 205414-3950. BBGardens.org. Southeastern Outings Relaxing Canoe and Kayak Trip on the Upper and Lower Stretches of the Tallapoosa River –This is a scenic stretch of river located in a very rural area. Depart 8am from the Leeds Highway 78 gravel parking lot. Reservations required. Call trip leader David Shepherd, 205-240-4681, to register. SEOutings.org. Birds of Alabama – 10am. Come learn about the Birds of AL. We have between 400 and 450 species that live in or visit AL each year. Meet at the Treetop Nature Trail. Free with park admission. Oak Mountain State Park, 200 Terrace Dr, Pelham, AL 35124. 205-620-2520.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 UnPlug & ReCharge Day – 9am-5:30pm. Gift yourself a day filled with experiences that naturally encourage “letting go” and refuel your body, mind and spirit—moving meditations, breath work, stillness techniques and more. Enrollment by Aug 15: $107; after this date $133. Facilitated by Tina Marie Carr. To register, email TinaMarie.Carr@yahoo. com. SuperCoolChi.com. Pelham, AL.

natural awakenings

August 2013

ongoingevents For Birmingham Yoga’s updated calendar, visit BirminghamYoga.com

For EMBODY’s updated calendar, visit EMBODYBirmingham.com

sunday

tuesday

Sunday Service – 11am-12:30pm. Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205. 205-251-3713. UnityBham.com.

Trussville Fresh Market – 1-5pm. Chalkville Rd, Trussville North Mall, Trussville, AL 35244. 256-477-0984.

A Course in Miracles – 5-6:30pm. On-going discussion group. Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205. 205-251-3713. UnityBham.com.

Crestline Farmers Market – 3-7pm, through Aug 6. 212 Country Club Park, Mt. Brook, AL 35213. 256-339-5295.

monday Mat III/IV – 8am. A series of floor-work exercises emphasizing core strength;breath control; flowing movement and the development of long, lean muscles and a decompressed spine. Requires prior Pilates experience. $18 drop in, $12 if you buy a package. Pilates on Highland. 205-323-5961. Pilates OnHighland.com .

Reformer II – 5:30pm. Here you can experience "the spring" while balancing your muscles and challenging your core on equipment invented by Joe Pilates and unique to the Pilates method. Class is limited to 4 or 5 students. Requires prior Pilates experience. $25. Pilates on Highland. 205-323-5961. Tai-ji Quan Practice – 6:30-7:30pm. Stephen Guesman. Tai-ji Quan (Tai Chi) is a Chinese slowmotion martial art and moving meditation. Call 205-919-6231 or email GreenWorks.sg@gmail.com to register. Drop-ins welcome: $10 (first class free); 13 weeks for $75, 26 weeks for $120. EMBODY Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35213.

wednesday Mat I/II – 6:30pm. A series of floor-work exercises emphasizing core strength, breath control, flowing movement and the development of long, lean muscles and a decompressed spine. Does NOT require prior Pilates experience. $18 drop in, $12 if you buy a package. Pilates on Highland. 205-3235961. PilatesOnHighland.com.

thursday Gardendale Farmers Market – 1-5pm, through Sept 26. 970 Main St, Gardendale, AL 35071. 205514-5881 or 205-285-9170. GardendaleFarmers Market.com. Earth Fare’s Family Dinner Night – 4-8pm. Every Thursday from 4-8pm kids eat free. One adult meal of $5 or more receives up to 6 free kids meals. We have a cafe where families can sit and eat, or we can package everything to go. Earth Fare, 3230 Galleria Circle, Hoover, AL 35244. 205-988-2938. EarthFare.com.

Birmingham

NABirmingham.com

Farm Stands on the Railroad – 4-7:30pm. Are you looking for a good place to buy fresh produce during the week? If so, stop by Railroad Park. Farm House of Homewood and Grow Alabama will be on site every Thursday evening. Railroad Park, 1600 1st Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35233.

friday UAB Farmers Market – 11am-2pm, through Aug. 18th St South and 6th Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35233. 205-934-3432. Fultondale Farmers Market – 1-5pm. 3321 Lowery Parkway, at Blackcreek Park, Fultondale, AL 35068. 256-477-0984. Brookwood Farmers Market – 4-7pm, through Aug 30. 780 Brookwood Village, Birmingham, AL 35209. 205-612-8423. Bessemer Farmers Market – 4-7pm, through Sept/Oct. #2 19th St, Bessemer, AL 35020. 205907-4099.

saturday Homewood Farmers Market – 8am-12pm, Aug 3 and Aug 10. Urban Cookhouse presents a Farmer’s Market with vendors of all kinds, including cooking demos. SoHo Square, 1830 29th Ave South, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-405-8881. Trussville Springs Farmers Market – 8am-12pm. 201 Spring St, Trussville, AL 35174. 256-477-0984. Helena Market Days – 8am-12pm, through Aug 24. Chefs from several well-known local restaurants are scheduled to hold demonstrations at 9am each market day. Helena Amphitheater, 4151 Helena Rd, Helena, AL 35080. 205-410-4496. Valleydale Farmers Market – 8am-12pm, through Aug 31. A wide selection of fresh produce, arts and crafts, entertainment and tasty samples. 4601 Valleydale Rd, Birmingham, AL 35242. 205-531-1521. Pilates Arc Class – 9:15am. Utilizes Pilates mat exercises to connect to your core mentally and physically. We move through a variety of exercises using the Pilates Arc to challenge our body to connect deeper and discover the true meaning of core. Requires prior Pilates experience. $25. Pilates on Highland, 205-323-5961. PilatesOnHighland.com.

communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Cindy@AlabamaAwakenings.com to request our media kit. ACUPUNCTURE ASHLEY LUNDY, LAC. Doctor of Oriental Medicine 4735 Norrell Dr, Suite 5 Trussville, AL 35173 239-240-5428 Alacupuncture.com DocLundy@alacupuncture.com Specializing in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine. Using noninvasive treatment to help treat pain, high blood pressure, fertility issues, insomnia, fibromyalgia, and weight loss. Located inside Eastern Chiropractic. Call today for your appointment.

CHIROPRACTIC ADAPPT CHIROPRACTIC & MASSAGE Dr. John Kim 5092 Cahaba Valley Rd. (Hwy 119) Birmingham, AL 35242 205-981-8081 If you’re ready for a chiropractor who will take the time to get to know you, and then help you get into the best shape possible, then you’re ready for Dr. John Kim. Quality, personalized chiropractic care, and customized programs. Enjoy your life again! Call Adappt Chiropractic and Wellness Center today

CHIROPRACTOR & HERBALIST Dr. Jeanne R. Chabot 2116 Rocky Ridge Road Hoover, AL 35216 205-822-2177 ChabotChiropractic.com 36 years of Chiropractic experience, certified herbalist and Reiki Master. Dr. Chabot provides physiological therapeutics, conventional Chiropractic adjustments, decompression therapy, as well as gentle adjustments according to your preference and need. Private treatment rooms provided for your comfort. Also available at the clinic:Massage therapy, Hypnotherapy, Energy Work, Mediation classes, Personal Training, and Yoga classes. Most insurances accepted.

COUNSELING

COLON HYDROTHERAPY

SYDNE STONE

HEALING WATERS COLON HYDROTHERAPY

Licensed Professional Counselor AAMFT, Clinical Member 2116 Rocky Ridge Rd Birmingham, AL 35216 205-492-7760 SydneStoneCounseling@gmail.com SydneStoneCounseling.com

Bernadine Birdsong I-ACT & NBCHT Certified Instructor and School 720 23rd St South, Birmingham, AL 205-323-7582 MoreThanColonics.com Detox your body with Colon Hydrotherapy, Infra Red Sauna, and BioCleanse Therapy. We are the only hydrotherapist in Alabama providing colonics with ionized, microclustered, anti-anti-oxidant, alkaline water. We also offer Lipoex®, a non-invasive way to melt fat, reduce cellulite, and tighten skin. Computerized Biofeedback, Massage therapy, pain management, infra red sauna, light therapy, Koreanstyle Hip Bath, and VibaBody Slimmer are also available. Come and experience the difference. Be sure to ask about the QXCI, “the computer that can tell if your are well.” It is a must for anyone who is serious about improving wellness. Open MondayFriday 8:30am-5:30pm and Sunday 9am-4pm.

With 25 years of experience, Sydne Stone has been successful in helping people in several areas including Life Stage Adjustments, Grief, Divorce, Anxiety, Work and Career, Stress, Self-esteem, Addictions and Co-Dependency, Couple and Family Therapy and Coping with Chronic Illness.

ENERGY HEALING SOULNICITY: SYNCHRONICITY OF THE SOUL Nicki Noftz 205-202-9198 Info@Soulnicity.com Soulnicity.com

COUNSELING EMILY TUCKER LPC, NCC 300 Office Park Dr. Suite 220 Birmingham, AL 35223 205-261-1417 Birmingham-Counseling.com EmilyTuckerLPC@gmail.com

“Inner peace is standing still in the chaos of life.”

Empathy, compassion and reflection are the foundation of her practice with each client. Specializing in Addictions, relationship issues, trauma recovery, depression and anxiety, wellness coaching. Ms. Tucker would be honored to walk through your life challenges with you. Call today for your free consultation. Wellness Packages now available; pay once-no hassles.

Offering Reiki/energy healing, Pilates/Mindful Movement Instruction, meditation, spirituality and workshops. Energy healing can provide deep relaxation, assist in the healing process emotionally and physically, assist in connecting the mind-bodyspirit, balance life energies, and help you maintain a healthy mind, body and spirit. Call or email for more information about energy healing or other services. Two locations available in the Birmingham area.

The most beautiful thing in the world is, of course, the world itself. ~Wallace Stevens

natural awakenings

August 2013

FAMILY MEDICINE

HOMEOPATHY CONSULTANT

BIRMINGHAM INTEGRATIVE HEALTH

JOAN SCOTT LOWE

Dr. Melanie Miller 159 Main Street Trussville, AL 35173 205-655-2110 BirminghamIntegrativeHealth.com Facebook.com/Birmingham IntegrativeHealth

Homeopathic Consultant 1901 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. South Birmingham, AL 35209 205-939-0071 Joan@HomeopathyBeWell.com HomeopathyForWellness.com

Dr. Miller brings a commitment to integrative health to her patients in the greater Birmingham area. Her definition of good health goes beyond freedom from disease. She strives for both physical and mental well-being. She is a Family Medicine Doctor with interest in adrenal, thyroid, hormone balancing, nutrition, food allergies, weight loss, herbs, supplements and acupuncture.

Call or email Joan Scott Lowe, Homeopathic Wellness Consultant, to determine your individual constitutional remedy, the FDA-approved nontoxic homeopathic remedy based on the totality of your mental, emotional, and physical condition, chosen according to the Law of Similars ("like heals like"). Achieve wellness and freedom from illness!

NUTRITION AND GIFTS GOLDEN TEMPLE, NOW 3 LOCATIONS 1901 11th Ave. South, Birmingham: 205-933-6333 3309 Lorna Rd, Suite 7, Hoover: 205-823-7002 110 N. Chalkville Rd, Suite 148, Trussville: 205-655-0353

Since 1973, we have been bringing you the best in healthy living. We offer a wide variety of merchandise including vitamins, herbs, supplements, natural foods, organic produce, incense, clothing, books, and gifts.

FAMILY MEDICINE

PILATES ON HIGHLAND

HOOVER ALT MD Elizabeth Campbell Korcz, M.D. 3421 S. Shades Crest, Suite 111 Hoover, AL 35244 205-733-6676 HooverAltMD.com Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Wellness/Natural Medicine, Acupuncture,Weight Loss/ Fitness, Hypnosis, Aromatherapy, Biofeedback, Counseling, Addiction, Botox/ Fillers, Facials. “A different kind of practice, a deeper kind of care."

Birmingham

PILATES

NABirmingham.com

2827 Highland Ave South PilatesOnHighland.com Info@pilatesonhighland.com 205-323-5961 Pilates on Highland is a full service studio located in the historic Highlands area, offering a caring, certified staff, personalized attention and top of the line Pilates equipment. The Pilates method increases your strength, tones your body, decompresses your joints, improves flexibility and range of motion, boosts circulation and stimulates your mind.

YOGA BIRMINGHAM YOGA STUDIO 605 37th Street South Birmingham, AL 35222 205-637-4228 Contact@BirminghamYoga.com BirminghamYoga.com

Serving the community, Birmingham Yoga offers and hosts: ongoing yoga classes in two beautiful studios, 200-hour yoga teacher training accredited with Yoga Alliance, morning meditation, exciting workshops and class series, monthly community kirtan, musical events, and rental space for guest speakers and teachers.

EMBODY PRACTICE CENTER 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100 Birmingham, AL 35213 205-637-0299 Info@embodybirmingham.com EMBODYbirmingham.com EMBODY Practice Center offers Yoga for all ages, levels, and health conditions. Classes include All Levels Yoga, monthly Yoga Nidra and Restorative Yoga, Beginner’s Series, and series specific to injuries (such as neck and shoulders or low back). EPC also offers Tai-Ji Quan (Tai Chi), Breath/Feldenkrais® Class, Meditation workshops, and various other community and professional workshops.

natural awakenings

August 2013